Main Entry:

toad

Pronunciation:

\ˈtōd\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English tode, from Old English tāde, tādige

Date:

before 12th century

1 : any of numerous anuran amphibians (especially family Bufonidae) that are distinguished from the related frogs by being more terrestrial in habit though returning to water to lay their eggs, by having a build that is squatter and shorter with weaker and shorter hind limbs, and by having skin that is rough, dry, and warty rather than smooth and moist 2 : a contemptible person or thing

[toad illustration]